2018 AL Wild Card Preview: Oakland Athletics @ New York Yankees

October baseball has finally arrived as the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics face-off in a win or go home matchup.

When Giancarlo Stanton approved the big blockbuster trade to come to the New York Yankees, this is what he had in mind. A team that would be a legitimate contender come October, and not on their couches watching October baseball. Well, Giancarlo, it is officially time for some October baseball.

For the Yankees and Athletics, it all begins Wednesday night as the two battle at Yankee Stadium to see who advances to Boston in the American League Division Series. This marks the third time in the last four seasons that the Yankees will be playing in the win or go home game, all three times the game was played in the Bronx.

Under new manager Aaron Boone, the Yankees saw their first 100 win season since 2009 where they won 103 games and the World Series. The Athletics, on the other hand, are making their first playoff appearance since 2014 when they lost in the Wild Card game to the Royals.

No Yankee fan can forget the emotional roller coaster of a game the Wild Card game can be. It is just like playing in a Game 7, where anything can happen. Last year the Bombers were down 3-0 after a half inning and ended up winning 8-4, and eventually, fell just one game short of the World Series.

This season the Yankees come into this game, not the overwhelming favorites as they were a year ago. Oakland took the league by storm, surprising everybody with a 97-win season. Led by Bob Melvin and his staff, this team is one that you cannot overlook.

The two teams split the season series at three games apiece, and most recently, Oakland taking two out of three games in early September. Oakland has outscored the Bombers 33-28 in the six games, making what should be a great winner take all game.

ESNY has everything you have to know, from potential lineups, pitching breakdowns, and predictions.